Thousands of Hartlepool council staff to go on strike

Hartlepool Civic Centre.

THOUSANDS of council workers have balloted to strike next month in a dispute over pay.

More than 3,000 Hartlepool Borough Council staff and school support staff will join colleagues nationwide in staging a walkout on July 10 over the Government’s offer of a rise of just one per cent.

Other unions, including those that cover the teaching profession, are expected to follow suit and take part in industrial action on the same day.

Mike Hill, regional organiser for Unison, which has more than 42,000 members in the north, said: “Members in Hartlepool and the rest of the northern region are fed up of the Government’s cuts and impulse pay freezes.

“This is one of the worst regions for low pay in public services like Local Government and our members working from Hartlepool for the council and other local authorities deserve better.”

A council spokesman said: “We are currently assessing the potential impact of the strike action on services and further details will be publicised in due course but people should expect normal

council services and buildings to be unaffected.

“However, we would reassure people that arrangements will be put in place so that staff are available in emergencies if needed.

“In terms of schools, they will inform parents as soon as they are able to confirm how the strike action will affect them.”

Meanwhile around 95 per cent of the 400 workers at the HMRC offices in Peterlee who are members of the PCS (Public and Commercial Services) union, went on strike on Monday.

It was part of national action by revenues and customs staff over the Government’s plans to cut 10,000 jobs nationally and office closures.